Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi visits UN, appreciates Pakistan's diplomatic engagement

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi on Wednesday visited the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York and appreciated the Pakistan Mission’s constructive role in fostering dialogue and settling disputes peacefully.

In a statement shared on X, the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN said, “Former Pakistan cricket team captain and celebrated all-rounder Shahid Afridi visited the UN Headquarters in New York at the invitation of Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, the permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN.”

During the visit, Ambassador Ahmad briefed Afridi on the work of the mission, including “Pakistan’s active engagement at the UN in advancing multilateralism, promoting dialogue and diplomacy, and contributing to international peace and security,” the statement said.

It added that Afridi “expressed appreciation for the mission’s important work and its constructive role in fostering understanding, dialogue and multilateral cooperation among nations, and advocating the peaceful settlement of disputes”.

Meanwhile, the former skipper was given a tour of the UN Headquarters and also briefed on its work and its role in promoting international peace, security, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation, the Mission stated.

In a meeting held at the UN headquarters, Ambassador Ahmad welcomed Afridi and commended him for his outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket and for bringing joy to millions of cricket fans around the world through his dynamic performances and powerful stroke play, it said.

The ambassador also appreciated Afridi’s humanitarian and welfare initiatives.

“These projects have positively impacted the lives of many people, particularly in underserved communities,” Ambassador Ahmad was quoted as saying.

According to the mission, Ambassador Ahmed also underscored the importance of sports as “a powerful instrument of diplomacy that transcends borders, fosters mutual understanding, and brings nations and peoples together”.

“He noted that sports can serve as an effective platform for promoting peace, goodwill and international cooperation.”

“The visit reflected the shared recognition of the positive role that sports and diplomacy can play in building bridges between peoples and promoting a more peaceful and cooperative international environment,” the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, in a social media post on X, Afridi expressed his gratitude for Ambassador Ahmad and the mission for their “warm hospitality”.

“It was a pleasure to engage in meaningful discussions on Pakistan’s role on the global stage and the opportunities to strengthen our nation’s positive impact around the world,” he stated.

“Proud to see Pakistan represented with such dedication and distinction.”

A prominent all-rounder and seasoned sportsman, Afridi, has represented Pakistan in all three formats of the game, featuring in 398 One-Day Internationals, 99 Twenty20 Internationals and 27 Test matches.

Having earned the title of ‘Boom Boom’ and retiring from international cricket in 2017, Afridi has been engaged in philanthropic work and also founded a social welfare organisation, the Shahid Afridi Foundation.